1. Week 2 The Question of Scripture 1 Peter 1:9-12 Review In small groups, discuss the following questions. 1.Why do you think that Peter refers to his audience as “aliens” and how does this fit the purpose and situation of the letter? 2.Why does Peter in verse 4 describe the believer’s “inheritance” as “imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away?” In light of their situation, why would these believers need to focus upon their heavenly inheritance? 3.In what ways is the testing of our faith in trials similar to the testing of gold in fire(see James 1:3,4 and 1 Corinthians 3:13)?

2. 1 Peter 1:9-12 (NASB) 9 obtaining as the outcome of your faith the salvation of your souls. 10 As to this salvation, the prophets who prophesied of the grace that would come to you made careful searches and inquiries, 11 seeking to know what person or time the Spirit of Christ within them was indicating as He predicted the sufferings of Christ and the glories to follow. 12 It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves, but you, in these things which now have been announced to you through those who preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven—things into which angels long to look.

3. Interpretation Using our text today, discuss the following in small groups. 1.What kind of “salvation” is Peter referring to in verses 5, 9 and 10? Before you answer look at the following verses to see what different ways this Greek word can be used. Acts 4:12; 14:9; 27:20 Romans 5:9-10; 15:30-32 Ephesians 2:8 Philippians 2:12-13 Hebrews 9:28; 11:7 Jude 5 2. What do you learn about the O.T. from verses 10-12? Week 2 The Question of Scripture 1 Peter 1:9-12

4. Application 1.List three reasons given in verses 3-12 for a believer to maintain hope in the midst of difficult circumstances. 2.Is it possible to have hope regardless of circumstances? 3.Is it reasonable to have such hope? 4.How can you maintain hope even in the dark times?